About Feline Diabetes and Gum Disease

Feline gum disease, also known as periodontal disease is a disease of the tissues that surround and support a cat's teeth. In cats, it is the most common oral condition. Most cats over 2 years of age suffer from some form of this disease. Feline diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus is a disease caused by a lack of the hormone insulin or an inadequate response to insulin.

  1. Symptoms of Feline Gum Disease

    • Because most pet owners are unaware that their cat may be in pain it's important to have regular check ups with your veterinarian. A cat with gum disease may paw at her face, drool or not want to eat. She may also have bad breath, pus around her teeth, bleeding gums, red or swollen gums, missing teeth or yellow deposits on her teeth.

    Causes of Feline Gum Disease

    • While all cats are at risk of developing gum disease, some cats may be more prone to it than others. Genetics may play a factor. Purebred cats are more susceptible to developing gum disease than mixed bred cats. Overcrowding of the teeth may also play a part as it's easy for food to get trapped between the teeth. Lastly, an abnormality of oral anatomy may cause gum disease as it may promote the buildup of tartar.

    Symptoms of Feline Diabetes

    • A cat with diabetes may experience weight loss, increased thirst, increased urination, weakness or lethargy. In addition, she may have a poor coat.

    Causes of Feline Diabetes

    • Some cats are more prone to developing diabetes than others. Pet Place notes, "Risk factors for diabetes mellitus include obesity, recurring pancreatitis, Cushing's disease, and drugs such as glucocorticoids and progestagens that antagonize insulin."

    Connection

    • While gingivitis is a localized inflammation of the gums, stomatitis is an inflammation of the whole mouth. When these conditions occur at the same time, it is referred to as gingivitis-stomatitus. Cats with diabetes or periodontal disease are both at risk for developing gingivitis-stomatitus. Pawprints and Purrs notes that not only can periodontal disease lead to long-term gingivitis-stomatituis, but conditions affecting a cat, such as diabetes mellitus, may result in the onset of gingivitis-stomatitus. Chronic and debilitating conditions could depress a cat's immune system, which makes him more susceptible to contracting inflammatory mouth disease.